BRISTOL HAIRDRESSER JAMES BROWN SENTENCED IN DERBY FOR BABY'S DEATH

In August 2019, James Brown, now residing in Derby, was involved in a tragic case dating back to June 2014 in Bristol. Brown, a 36-year-old hairdresser from Gloucester Road North, was sentenced to four years in prison after a four-month-old baby named Layla Rix-Palmer died while in his care.

Bristol Crown Court heard that Brown had wrapped a blanket around Layla's face while he was supposed to be supervising her. The court was told that Layla stopped breathing and paramedics were unable to revive her. It was revealed that prior to her death, Brown had dropped or allowed the baby to fall and had pulled her out of her cot by one arm.

Although a post-mortem examination did not establish the exact cause of death, expert opinion from Professor Peter Fleming, a specialist in infant health at Bristol University, indicated that while the wrapping around her face increased the risk of death, he could not definitively say it was the direct cause.

Following legal advice, prosecutors deemed the case unsuitable for manslaughter charges and instead charged Brown with child cruelty. Brown admitted to this charge. During sentencing, the judge described his actions as 'aggravating' and expressed concern over the injuries and neglect.

Judge Graham Cottle told Brown, ‘You dropped or allowed her to fall. You pulled her out of her cot by one arm in a completely inappropriate way, risking serious injury. On one occasion, she was covered in horrible blisters—pain that can only be imagined. Then there was the final act. You wrapped her tightly in a blanket, pulling the blanket over her head.’

Prosecutor Fiona Elder outlined that Layla was born on July 17, 2012, and died on November 14, 2012, making her just under four months old and extremely vulnerable. Brown had looked after Layla from she was two months old. In October 2012, Layla suffered a bruise to her head after falling from a bed; the injury was superficial and did not require medical attention. Brown admitted to neglect by placing her on the bed and being inattentive.

The court also heard that Layla’s mother, who was Brown’s then-girlfriend, saw him lift her by one arm and swing her into his body, despite her objections. Brown acknowledged dropping her on one occasion, which resulted in her hitting her head on a coffee table. A lump the size of an egg was found on her head, but no significant damage was sustained, and medical assessment was inconclusive.

Brown also admitted to popping blisters on Layla’s head, claiming they were caused by an allergic reaction to her pillow. On November 14, 2012, Layla stopped breathing, and her heart ceased to beat. Brown said she was wrapped in a blanket around her face and expressed remorse, stating, ‘It’s all my fault she died.’ He suggested that asphyxiation and the ingestion of vomit were the most likely causes of her death.

During police interviews, Brown minimized his responsibility, citing his work in a nursery and his own two children. It was also revealed that he had received a caution for common assault in a domestic setting.